The relationship between faith/grace and works/good deeds/ordinances is a complex and intriguing facet of Christianity that has been the subject of intense debate throughout the centuries. Indeed, entire religious denominations have been torn apart, with new ones being born, due to differences of beliefs concerning this topic (think Lutheranism vs. Catholicism for just one example).

There is more I wish to explore on this subject at a future time, but for now I’ll say that while the New Testament teaches that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20, 26), I would also go so far to say that works, without faith is likewise dead.